There is no joy in Mudville, as they say. Albany, after only about six months of Democratic control of the Senate, which had belonged to Republicans for over forty years, has appeared to flip back over to the GOP after a wild and inane series of strange procedures that had Democrats running for the doors, turning out the lights and had Senators releasing a half dozen contradictory press releases. Apparently Democratic Senators Monserrate and Espada Jr. brokered a deal with Republicans, with help of wealthy former Democratic backer Tom Golisano, to caucus with the Republicans to unseat pro-gay Democratic Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith from Queens, and create a power-sharing deal with both parties holding some control. The Bronx's Espada--who has had a troubled past being fined for not correctly reporting campaign contributions--will become the first Latino president of the Senate, and former Senate Majority leader, Republican Dean Skelos from Long Island will become the Vice President and Majority leader.
Monserrate and Espada, however, are both stating they are remaining Democrats, which still puts Senate control squarely in the hands of the democrats 32-30. Senate Majority Leader-in-Exile Malcolm Smith has released a statement saying that he is still the Majority Leader and that this illegal move will be contested in court. It looks like we've got a long night ahead of us, so stay tuned.
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